John L. Hallett, III, 30

I knew John during my last two years at West Point. We had a few engineering classes together. Despite the amount of work we had to do, he never said never and always had a smile on his face. Sometimes I would visit his room in the barracks just down the hall and see him watching television on his computer just before a huge exam or project. It would be around curfew time which was at 11:30pm and he would say "I'll study tonight." So, he would stay up all night studying. The funniest thing was that he always had to watch his favorite show, "Blind Date." It was hilarious.
John was a water polo player and spent his summer before senior year at Scuba school (I don't know how he passed).
Although I haven't spoken to John since the Academy, I feel like if I had met 25 years down the road, it would still be like yesterday.
Well done, John, be thou at peace.

Son, I did not know you. But as one of those who 8 years ago were sounding the war cry, (and then at 60 years conveniently well beyond the age of those who would have to make the sacrifice) I feel personally responsible. And I am taking this pitful means to reach out with this feeble message, reach out to you to whereever you are; and to your love ones, and say to you, I am so sorry for sending you into this war with so few alongside you; so few to carry the burden you willingly carried. I did not believe it would be like this. I was wrong and I grieve with your loved ones at this hour. William.
I guess what misshaped me is the late 1940s when we were still attending WWII funerals; everyone seemed on board - willing to bear their part of the sacrifice. Things have changed. And this has cost us; and cost your love ones, and I am in a definable way responsible, and I am in grief this morning.

As the mother of Captain John, I want to thank Martha Groves for this beautiful obituary on our son. The LA Times has always been one of our favorite papers. It touches our hearts to see them honor all the Californian Fallen Soldiers. Our family is learning how to grieve and live without one of the world's finest. We most have faith and realize this mystery is in God's hands. As a woman of peace and longing for peace in our world, I am beginning to view war as a storm. War seems to loom its ugly head every now and again despite our best diplomatic efforts.I have learned a valuable lesson in the loss of my son. Our Military is one of dignity and community. They loved my son and all their people. I had no idea that I too belong to this incredible group of people. Yes, they are trained to kill and defend, but they also are trained to minister and build. The hearts of all our soldiers are much about building communities and lives.My son was such a part of these efforts. Son, be thou at rest, your duty is done. Love, Mother.

I am confused regarding "our" mission in the Middle East. I am not at all confused about the deep gratitude and pride I feel towards John and the sacrifice he made for all of us. I know that his contribution to bringing the world closer to peace and harmony isn't lost with his passing. All my heartfelt empathy to his family and those who miss him in the everyday world of their lives. Although I haven't yet met John, I sense through those that know him the gift he left the world. A gift I recently received was the book "The Shack". For those who are struggling with his death and who attempt to know God's ways through the Christian faith, please read this wonderful parable.

THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice, words do little to describe our sincere gratitude. However, There is a hope for a future where such wonderful people will not have to die in the wars of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore....REV 21:3,4-"death will be no more"